The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) recently helped in a sweeping auto theft investigation that uncovered an international car-smuggling ring operating across southern Ontario and extending as far as Iraq.
This investigation was led by the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District, and it began in April 2025 after a 2024 Lincoln was reported stolen in Niagara Falls and later recovered.
Detectives discovered the suspects had been using electronic tracking devices to target mainly Lexus and Toyota vehicles, disabling their factory-installed GPS systems and moving them from residential neighbourhoods to Hamilton. From there, the vehicles were loaded onto transport trucks, taken to Montreal, and shipped overseas in containers to a major seaport in Iraq.
With help from multiple NRPS units and law enforcement partners, including the HRPS, investigators executed five search warrants in Hamilton on May 29th. As a result, 20 stolen vehicles, $53,000 in cash, an airsoft pistol, and other evidence were seized.
Three suspects from Hamilton were arrested, including 18-year-old Abdulhamid Talip and two 17-year-old unnamed male youths, who now face a variety of charges including motor vehicle theft and possession of theft-related devices.
The investigation remains ongoing, with further charges anticipated.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Niagara Police or anonymously reach out to Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 1-800-222-8477.
